Marine Biology (2+1)

Flocculation and Deflocculation

Suspended particles in sea water either be deflocculated or flocculated depending on whether the salinity is high or low. In lower salinity conditions, particles remain in suspension, while in higher salinity condition, they get flocculated. A flocculated suspension can be deflocculated by lowering the salinity. This deflocculation takes place when the salinity falls down 2.5 ppt and flocculation above 20 ppt. Between these two salinity range, the flocculated mud gets deflocculated and kept in suspension, thus become the responsible factor for formation of mud banks.

The first two theories are doubted and combination of last two theories could possibly explain the formation of mud banks. Elsewhere in the world, artificial mud banks are created to protect the precious beaches and other coastal structures. There are reports of mud bank formation along the coast of Benguela and Peru.